A first of its kind theatre festival held in Noida concluded on 30 January. It was a joint effort by Anamika Arts, headed by Dinesh Kapoor, & Noida Authority. The idea was to revive dying theatre in Noida and try to create a culture hub in Noida like Mandi House in Delhi.
It was held in the 700-seater auditorium of Panchsheel College, Sector 91. The festival brought all colours of acting to the fore through Theatrical Performances, Musical Storytelling, Stand-up Comedy, Free Masterclasses, Poetry Sessions, Dance Drama & more.
The Theatre Festival was hailed as a first step in the direction of giving an option to the youth. Will today’s youth stay glued to a screen? They must be introduced to our art, culture & heritage via theatre for a wider horizon.
Wishtown residents were helpful in making this megaevent successful. Col. Naveen Chhabra & his talented son Lakshya (Kalypso Court) were applauded for their roles as Godse & Apte in the play titled ‘Vibhajan aur Hatya’ which concluded the festival.
Ira Merani played a displaced Muslim mother having migrated to Pakistan & turned out to be a pleasant surprise. This play was probably her second attempt on stage, but she is a director’s delight. So was Rashi, another debutant.
Ramzan & his group (Nikhil, Deepak, Sachin & Pragya) were incredibly supportive. Ishan, Bhupendra, Happy, Ashwini & many more helped in direct & indirect ways. 100+ people were involved in conducting the event.
Being a maiden attempt by Dinesh Kapoor, there were hiccups, rains too played spoilsport. But the idea behind – to promote art & culture & make Noida a centre – was much appreciated by everyone who came as well as by intellectuals like Chancellor Sh. Firoz Baksh Ahmad & many others.
May the theatre flourish!
by Dinesh Kapoor (PH-1/1203, 9810020179)
